Citigroup Sees Year-End ETH at $4,300 Amid Layer-2 Risks

Published: 2025-09-16 10:56:59 |

Citigroup’s Ethereum price forecast sets a year-end base-case target of $4,300 for ETH, with a bull-case at $6,400 and a worst-case at $2,200. ETH currently trades near $4,515, down about 1.7% in 24 hours amid profit-taking and historical September weakness. The report highlights strong Layer-2 growth but estimates only 30% of activity value will flow back to the Ethereum mainnet. Citigroup also cites limited impact from Ethereum spot ETFs, a range-bound S&P 500, and muted macro drivers. Key technical levels lie between $4,800–$4,880 for resistance and $4,500 for support. Failure to hold $4,500 could trigger a retest of $4,000–$4,100, while a close above $4,880 may spark renewed momentum. Institutional demand remains pivotal. BitMine Immersion Technologies recently added $200 million in ETH, boosting its stake to over 2.1 million coins. However, traders are cautious until on-chain activity and ETF inflows align with price levels. The Ethereum price forecast underlines layer-2 transmission limits and muted ETF inflows as key short-term risks.

Bearish

This news is bearish for ETH. Citigroup’s base-case forecast and worst-case scenario point to significant downside risk. Weak Layer-2 transmission rates, limited spot ETF inflows, and seasonal and macro headwinds could pressure prices in the short term, especially if support at $4,500 fails. Over the long term, ETH could rebound if on-chain activity and ETF demand pick up, but near-term sentiment remains cautious.